The island of Cozumel lies 12 miles offshore the eastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and is the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean as well as being the most populated island of Mexico.

With water the color of imperial jade and edged with white-sand beaches and craggy black castles of limestone and coral, Cozumel is the largest of 3 islands off the east coast of the state of Quintana Roo.

The island is approximately 29 miles (48 kilometers) long and 11 miles (17.5 kilometers) wide at its widest point, with the highest elevation point measuring a mountainous 45 feet above sea level.

Climate & Temperatures

Cozumel temperatures are warm year-round with daytime highs averaging 81 F (27°C). In the Caribbean, hurricane season officially begins June 15 and runs through November 15th each year. Do not let this deter your planning because INSIDERS know that these are some of the best months to enjoy the Cozumel. Yes, there is always the chance of a tropical storm or hurricane coming in but typically there is a warning period and time for preparation or departure from the island if needed.

The heaviest rains begin in June and last through October. It's possible for rain to fall almost every day during that time but the usual afternoon shower is brief and causes minimal interruption of travel or activities. Occasionally, however, the skies can open up and let loose torrents. During wet months, expect high humidity. November - May is generally balmy, with daytime highs averaging 80 F lower humidity and an occasional cool evening. Always remember, tropical climes can change from mellow to miserable and back again very quickly.

The tropical forests of the Mexican State of Quintana Roo are home to many exotic trees, flowers, plants, and animals. Along with the many mangroves, bamboo, and swamp cypresses, ferns, vines, and flowers slither throughout the various trees to create a dense jungle. On the highest of limbs, orchids and air ferns can be seen stretching towards the sun.

The Southern part of the Yucatan Peninsula hosts classical tropical rainforests that are the home of tall mahoganies, campeche, zapote, and kapok, all of which are covered by jungle vines.

Los Arboles (The Trees)

Perhaps the most recognizable of trees in the area are the many types of Palm trees. These trees, vital to the survival of the people and region, come in many varieties- tall, short, fruited, and oil-producing. Some specific types of palms include Royal (tall with smooth trunks), Queen (used for landscaping and bearing sweet fruit), and Thatch (used extensively for roof thatch).

At one time, the Coconut palm served the Yucatan very well as it is used for producing oil, food, drink, and shelter. The tree matures in 6 to 7 years and then bears coconuts for the following 5 to 7 years. Unfortunately the "Yellow Disease" , a condition that has struck the coconut palm from Florida to Central America, has taken away the coconut palm as a source of income.

Henequen, which is a cousin to the Palm tree, is used to form twine, rope, matting, and other products. The Calabash tree provides gourds that Mayan Indians have used for years as containers.

A tall tree known as the Ceiba is known as the Mayan tree of life, and tied very close to the Mayan religion.

The beautiful Framboyanes (royal poinciana) have wide-spreading branches covered in clusters of brilliant orange-red flowers when they are in bloom during the summer months.

Las Frutas (The Fruit)In addition to the trees, there are many delicious fruits that grow in the this region of Mexico. Sweet and sour oranges, limes, and grapefruits can be found, as well as the presence of the papaya, and avocado. The mamey tree, which grows to 15-20 meters in height, provides a brown avocado-shaped fruit with a sweet salmon-pink flesh in the middle (a flavor similar to the sweet yam). A lanky evergreen known as the Guaya produces small, green, leathery pods that grow in clumps like grapes. These pods have a sweet, yellowish, jellylike flesh.

Las Flores (The Flowers)

In remote areas of the state, the orchid can be found on the highest limbs of tall trees. There have been 71 species reported on the Yucatan of which 20% are terrestrial, and 80% are epiphytic, meaning that they are attached to host trees and deriving moisture and nutrients from the air and rain. Both types grow in so many different sizes, shapes, and colors- some subtle and some brilliant.

In the spring, flowering trees are the gathering place for hundreds of singing birds that come together for the mating season in the treetops. Here in a natural environment you'll see a full spectrum of flowers that display wild colors and appealing scents. White and Red Ginger are among the most exotic of herbs, in addition to Plumeria which has a wonderful scent and can be found in many colors. Hibiscus and bougainvillea bloom in the forests and are of the most colorful sort that you will find. In addition to these exotic flowers, the more common Morning Glory is prevalent as it endlessly creeps and climbs over trees and bushes.

Visit Cozumel's only Butterfly Sanctuary! See multitudes of colors, learn about butterfly habits and the miracle of metamorphosis. Take photos and then stay to enjoy snorkeling and the other ammenities of the Beach Club. Great family fun & excellent value!
US $13 Adults /US$8 Kids Educational Family Fun!

Bring your group and spend the day at PalMar's small, private beach facility and enjoy a day of snorkeling at Cozumel's premier beach entry snorkel spot! No crowd here and gates close daily with a maximum of 50 people on site!
US $13 Adults /US$8 Kids Includes FREE Beverages!

Sign up for an observation and education session about Cozumel's nesting sea turtles and the volunteer brigades that help in their conservation. Learn about these amazing creatures in the Fundacion de Paques & Museos program and help release hatching baby turtles as they make their way to the sea.
From $ 40 - 70 / person donation

Sherri, We had the most wonderful time with you in May! You and your staff made our weekend there in Cozumel with your great hospitality. The grounds are beautiful, food was great and the snorkeling ~ well my group just could not get enough and were amazed by the tropical sealife there off your beach. We look so much forward to coming back and seeing you again very soon. Tell the staff thanks again and say hello to the family for us as well. Take care:0) ....Happy Cruise Passenger J. Wellborn ~ Alabama

My husband and I lived in Cozumel for just over 6 months and completly LOVED it! We spent most of our time on the other side of the Island where it is just a completely different world. I highly recommend Cozumel to anyone travelling to the Mayan Riviera. I know so many people who go to Cancun, but have never been to Cozumel even though it is only about 40 minutes away! Take advantage of this beautiful Island!!! A. McIntosh ~ Toronto, Canada

Just wanted to sayThank You for your webcam. We Love Cozumel and miss it so much. It is nice to be able to look at the webcam every day and see what is happening and the beautiful water. Your website has also been very helpful when planning our trips. Keep up the good work. amy ~ southern Utah

It is very cold here, it snowed last night. Welcome home to us right?! Just wanted to send an email thanking you for making our experience the best ever in sunny Cozumel. We wanted to let you know that the day we spent at your PalMar Beach Club we had your homemade tamales, (which are my favorite, by the way!) and they were excellent. Also we think that you have very good employees, Juan (there at the beach club/your house) we especially appreciated him, he treated us very well and we just wanted you to know that. Thanks again for the ride to the ferry, we made the 10:00! Also we were very thankful for your advice to stay there in Playa. We were able to get a room and just enjoy our last day on the beach which is what I really wanted. We were within walking distance from the bus that took us to the airport the next morning so it was all very convenient. You were very helpful and we will definately recommend your villas to anyone going there in the future. K & J Gilbert ~ Unknown

We just returned from our 7th visit to Cozumel and we visited the butterfly sancturary with our six year old and we absolutely loved it! We know the island very well and this was our first vist to the beach club and now we have a new favorite to add to our island list. We don't do alot of touristy things when we are on the island, but this place is worth it. Beautiful, educational and relaxing! What more could you ask for! We will return to Cozumel in November and we will definitely head for the butterfly sanctuary and PalMar beach club! Michele Borzeka ~ Chicago, Illinois